Queensland Police Service Showcase
Mareeba Shire Council - Local Government view
The Mareeba TAG (Truancy and Graffiti) Group was the brainchild of Senior Sergeant Alan Magarry of Mareeba Police. Due to the escalating problem of graffiti, petty crime and vandalism in our town, and through my position as Deputy Mayor of the Mareeba Shire Council, I became involved with the TAG Group from the early stages. I thought that the objectives of the TAG Team were most commendable and wanted to give my support, which I have maintained throughout.
I have been extremely pleased with the diverse representation on the TAG Committee. Members are drawn from the Police, Mareeba Shire Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Mareeba State School and Mareeba State High School, Education Queensland, members of the clergy, ASTIC, ASSPA, Quality Industry Training and Employment Inc, Mareeba Information and Support Centre, Mareeba Indigenous Justice and Support Group, Neighbourhood Centre, Sports and Recreation (Qld), Department of Families, and the Mareeba Shire Council trainee officer.
As an outcome of our regular meetings, many projects have been organized, and I have attended a number of outings, including Saturdays at Tinaroo, where Sport and Recreation officers involve the target group in various activities e.g. learning the use of high and low ropes, abseiling and canoeing. These days always include refreshments and food. (Incidentally, we know not to buy red or green cordial or soft drink due to the detrimental effects these colourings have on the kids.) Initially, I noticed that it was hard to tell if the kids were enjoying themselves at Tinaroo, or at the monthly barbecues we hold in a local park. They were often very reticent. However, I have noticed definite changes - the kids have become more outgoing and now are able to express thanks and show manners.
The President of the Chamber took a large group of kids fishing. A barbecue lunch was held for them. The next day a number of the kids turned up to his business and thanked him again for taking them fishing.
Sporting days, which include visiting members of the Cowboys (NRL team) and the Taipans (NBL team), have also proved to be very successful. These representatives involve the kids in coaching clinics as well as workshops. The Mareeba Shire Council youth trainee, Albert Viranatuelo, has been a significant support and helper with regard to these activities. He usually involves himself personally in all the activities mentioned, acting as a fine role model for the young people. Albert also helps in collecting the kids, driving the bus to events and delivering the kids to their homes.
A chamber member, who is a hairdresser, has been instructing a group of young females in hair care, general grooming and personal hygiene, and this has been very well received.
Another project, organised by a local car dealer with a mechanical workshop, included the TAG group. They viewed an old engine being stripped, and then helped to re-assemble the engine to its original state. The same car dealer had a concrete block fence erected on one side of his property. It was organised for a student to use a section of this fence for a graffiti feature which is very attractive.
A diversionary program, organized by Quality Industry Training and Employment Inc, a not-for-profit community organisation, has involved about twelve students who are being trained in literacy and numeracy, personal hygiene, computer skills and elements of a healthy diet. This program has also involved tree planting in a local park (the idea being that these native trees will bear edible fruits, etc in the future). The students also cleaned the toilet block in a local park with had been left absolutely filthy. Food is supplied, and the students work together to prepare their meals. This program is fully funded by QITE from their resources and to date, $71 000.00 has been spent for this purpose. QITE also supplies the bus used to transport the kids to any of our planned activities.
The Mareeba State High School administrative staff has been extremely supportive. General secretarial work, minute taking and letter writing has been carried out by the two deputy principals. (We hold committee meetings at the school.) Daily breakfasts are supplied at the high school through the ongoing generosity of the local IGA owner, who supplies bread, milk, Milo and sandwich fillings. This is a wonderful gesture by yet another business organization in our town. The school has also provided an outer wall at the school for organized graffiti, which is visible to all who drive past.
Mareeba Shire Council has been extremely pleased to be involved with the TAG project. Two councillors and the Manager of Corporate Services are regular attendees at meetings. Council Corporate Services Department manages the financial affairs of the TAG Group.
It is appreciated that local businesses have controlled the availability of paint and solvents to virtually eliminate the problem of sniffing.
It is obvious that the TAG initiative has been multi-faceted. It is impossible to document every aspect, as so many people have helped. I can only communicate my personal impressions.
I hope that this report serves to indicate just how wide-ranging local support to address this community problem has been. The TAG Project has been most successful and deserves continued support.
The program has worked, due to the leadership and positive attitude of Alan Magarry, the support of the administration of local schools, the generosity and financial contribution of business organisations, the dedication of Quality Industry Training and Education personnel and the enthusiasm of the TAG committee.
I am proud to have played a small part in the Mareeba TAG Team, and, in some way, help disadvantaged young people gain a more positive outlook on life.
Contact person:
Mr Evan McGrath OAM
Deputy Mayor
Mareeba Shire Council.
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